Pair of Apostles c. 11th century

Curator: Here we have a small relief carving titled "Pair of Apostles," currently held at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: The material gives it an earthy, almost humble feel, despite the obviously religious subject matter. Curator: It's interesting to consider the context, isn't it? The depiction of religious figures, often men, and their association with knowledge, in this case represented by the books. How does that narrative intersect with notions of power and access? Editor: I'm drawn to thinking about who made this. The unknown artisan, their skill and dedication, and how the labor of creation is now disconnected from the art object itself. Curator: Absolutely, the lack of attribution raises questions about the art world's historical biases and the valuing of certain voices over others. Editor: Yes, the process, the hand of the maker is obscured by time, by the material's own aging, and the art world's systems. Curator: Food for thought, highlighting that art history is not just about the artwork, but about the narratives that surround it. Editor: Indeed. The material and its making process offer an entry point into those very discussions.